For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016

Contact: Captain Richard Flynn, PIO
Office: 781-316-3907
Cell: 781-844-1224
Email: rflynn@town.arlington.ma.us

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Arlington Police Arrest Armed Man for Drug Possession After Traffic Stop

Unlicensed Loaded Handgun Recovered

ARLINGTON — Chief Frederick Ryan reports that the Arlington Police Department arrested a man yesterday for possession of heroin, cocaine and a loaded handgun following a motor vehicle stop.

GERARD EDWARD FRANCIS, AGE 28, OF CAMBRIDGE, is charged with:

• Possession of a Class A Substance
• Possession of a Class B Substance
• Possession of a Class D Substance
• Possession of a Class E Substance
• Carrying a Firearm Without a License
• Possession of Ammunition

On Monday, Nov. 7, at approximately 5:55 p.m., an Arlington police officer was monitoring traffic in the area of Massachusetts Avenue and Lake Street. The officer conducted a routine license plate check of a blue Oldsmobile that was stopped at a light on Massachusetts Avenue. Information provided by Criminal Justice Information Services indicated that the vehicle’s registered owner had a revoked license.

As a result, the officer conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of 134 Massachusetts Ave. He approached the vehicle and made contact with the operator, FRANCIS, who told the officer that the vehicle belonged to a friend.

While conducting the motor vehicle stop, the officer observed FRANCIS making suspicious movements inside the car and called for backup. After an investigation, officers discovered that FRANCIS was in possession of heroin, cocaine, Trazodone pills and marijuana, along with drug paraphernalia and a loaded Hi-Point .380 caliber handgun.

“This is a fine example of solid police work, where a routine traffic stop resulted in dangerous drugs being taken off our streets,” Chief Ryan said. “We’re grateful that this officer was able to disarm an alleged armed felon without using force.”

FRANCIS was taken into custody without incident and was held at the Arlington Police Station pending his arraignment at Cambridge District Court.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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